Katherine Anne Burke, 60, of Merrimack NH, passed away on Friday, March 20th, 2020 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on July 20th, 1959 in Albany, NY to her loving mother Thelma [Poulos] Farrell and the late Francis X. Farrell. Alongside her brother, Francis X. Farrell [Jr.] of Nantucket, MA, Katherine grew up very close with her Grandmother, Katherine [Miller] Poulos (Yia Yia); who introduced her to many of her life-long passions including Greek cooking, gardening and exercise. Katherine grew up in Albany, and successfully graduated from Academy of the Holy Names before moving on to Saint Michael's College in Burlington, VT where she met her best friend and love of her life, Timothy W. Burke of Simsbury, CT.

Upon earning her Bachelor's Degree in History, Katherine and Tim began their marriage of 37 years, raising three loving children, Timothy, Colin and Katherine (Karie) in Merrimack, NH. After raising their three children, Katherine began her career working for the Merrimack School District as a Para-Educator in the Special Education Department. Her passion for childhood education and helping others gave Katherine a great sense of purpose, fulfillment and joy. During her 25 year tenure as an educator, Katherine made many close friends, including those at the Reeds Ferry Elementary School who loved and supported her like an extended family. Along with the many friends and co-workers, Katherine will be greatly missed and remembered by the hundreds of students for whom she unconditionally cared and advocated for. Known for her strong work ethic, great sense of humor and all of the recipes she loved to share, Katherine contributed a sense of comradery among those she worked with and will forever be remembered for her "can-do attitude". These values, among so many others made Katherine the resilient and loving mother, daughter, sister and wife that her family will forever remember and be grateful for. In addition to her immediate family, Katherine will be greatly missed by her loving brother and sister-in laws, nephews, nieces and extended family alike.

Family and friends are kindly invited to attend visitation hours at the Rivet Funeral Home, 425 Daniel Webster Highway on Friday, October 2nd from 4 – 6 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 16 Baboosic Lake Road, Merrimack on Saturday, October 3rd at 9:30 AM. Burial will follow at Last Rest Cemetery. Due to current safety and health concerns, all visitors for visitation hours and/or the funeral are required to wear a mask and are kindly asked to keep social distanced when inside the facilities.

For those who wish, memorial contributions in Katherine's Memory will be accepted at a later date